Shiki-Shima is an opulent sleeper train that lets you see Japan’s four season from the lap of luxury. Its name is from Japan’s name in ancient times, Shiki-Shima, which means ‘island of four seasons’. Designed by Ken Okuyama, a world famous designer who supervised JR East E7 series of trains and the Enzo Ferrari, Shiki-Shima lets you ‘enjoy the moving of space and time’.
Train Suite Shiki-shima is a 10-car train with two observatory cars (glass-walled cars offering prime views), a shared lounge car and dining room car, and six private suites including one deluxe suite.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima

Throughout the lounge with a striking wall pattern evoking an image of a quiet forest, you can see touches of the various artistic techniques that have been a part of eastern Japanese culture for generations. These exquisite features of Japan’s design culture will provide excellent talking points as you mingle with the other passengers here during your journey.
No travel experience is complete without fabulous food made from the best ingredients. Train Suite Shiki-shima serves fine cuisine from around Eastern Japan, with delicious seasonal ingredients cooked to perfection. The gentle sound of the train and the beautiful scenery outside the window provide a relaxing backdrop to the elegance of the dining room as you enjoy your exquisite meal.
All compartments on Train Suite Shiki-shima are a suite or higher, providing the most comfortable vantage point possible for your journey through the ever-changing landscapes of eastern Japan. The suites seamlessly combine traditional Japanese aesthetics with a futuristic spirit. Each suite has a shower and lavatory, and accessible suites are available for passengers with disabilities. Relax and enjoy a luxurious trip through the breathtaking seasonal beauty of eastern Japan.

Train Suite Shiki-Shima

The stunning scenery outside the train is part of the Train Suite Shiki-shima experience. Enjoy front-row seats to this natural extravaganza in the observatory cars at the front and rear of the train. The glass walls and ceiling offer breathtaking views of the forests, fields and coastline you’ll pass on your journey through eastern Japan’s diverse scenery. Nowhere else can you be surrounded by spectacular landscapes like this.
The two- and four-day itineraries will cost travelers between USD $2,400-$11,000 a person. Among its stops are five routes venturing through Kyoto, Matsue, the Sea of Japan, Izumo, Miyajima and the Nikko Toshogu shrine, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tochigi Prefecture. If you’re ready to book your trip, you’ll have to wait, the train is already reserved for the next six months. So make your arrangements now before you’ll have to wait until 2018 to board this luxurious sleeper train.

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Aleksandra Arsenovic graduated with a degree in economics and has a master degree in tourism. Since she worked as a travel agent, she has traveled around the world and developed an interest in luxurious hotels and exotic destinations. As a big fashion fan, Aleksandra loves expensive and luxury fashion items. As an editor of Extravaganzi she shares her knowledge about travels, fashion and accessories.